Fatigue Performance of Stay Cables

The cables of the Fred Hartman Bridge have experienced large-amplitude vibrations under light wind and rain conditions, a problem with cable-stayed bridges around the world. This thesis presents observations from ten full-scale bending fatigue tests performed on 32-ft. specimens modeled after the cables on the bridge. The strand used to construct the cables is evaluated in axial fatigue and compared with published specifications. The goal of the project is to relate the cable vibrations to fatigue damage and estimate the fatigue damage to the stay cables on the bridge.